North Orange Discount Drug Store’s pharmacist Tim Denham has teamed up with Charles Sturt University pharmacy students to provide a range of activities to celebrate World Pharmacists Day on Thursday.

While pharmacists still fill prescriptions and sell over-the-counter medications, Mr Denham said it was important people were aware of all the services pharmacies provided, including health advice and blood pressure monitoring.

“We tend to be one of the first medical professionals people tend to see about health issues,” Mr Denham said.

“Because we see patients every month when they come in to pick up their medication, they often have something else they ask us about and we can refer them on to the right medical professional.

“We’re always here, you don’t have to make an appointment, we’re free of charge.”

On Thursday from 2pm until 6pm, Mr Denham will be joined by CSU pharmacy students in the middle of the North Orange Shopping Centre, demonstrating compounding (the mixing of compounds to create a medication that fits a patient’s needs), various equipment chemists use for health checks and information about super foods. 

He noted that before long pharmacists would also be providing vaccinations, with trials underway in Queensland already proving to be successful.

“It makes it easier for the public to have access to vaccinations, and I think it will streamline the process. Currently patients have to go to the doctor to make an appointment and then go to the pharmacy to get the medicine and then back to the doctor. Essentially it’s reducing three trips to two.”

alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au